Michelle Scully
Encyclopedia
Michelle Scully is a fictional character
from the Australian soap opera Neighbours
, played by Kate Keltie
. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 October 1999 when she and her family moved into Ramsay Street. The character departed in 2003 and before making a brief return in 2004.
(Janet Andrewartha
) and Joe
(Shane Connor
) and siblings Stephanie
(Carla Bonner
), Felicity
(Holly Valance
) and Michelle were introduced to Neighbours. They were the first new family to move into Ramsay Street since Ruth Wilkinson (Ailsa Piper
) and her children arrived in 1996. The actors began filming their first scenes twelve weeks prior to their on screen debuts. Kate Keltie was thirteen when she was cast as youngest daughter, Michelle. Michelle was said to be twelve years old and "occasionally petulant but always lovable."
In November 2002, it was announced that Keltie was to leave Neighbours at the end of the year to go back to school. Keltie's decision to leave the show came close to the departure of her on-screen sister, Holly Valance
(Felicity Scully
). Keltie originally chose to leave in August, but later agreed to stay on till the end of year. Of her departure, she said "I'd like to move on and do other things because Neighbours has been such a big part of my life for the past three years. I definitely don't want to be typecast. A lot of people do stay because of the security of it, but I want to find other work." Michelle departed on 14 May 2003.
, Keltie called Michelle a spoilt little princess, who can twist her parents round her finger. The actress said Michelle looks like butter would not melt, but this is far from the truth. Describing her character further, Keltie said "She's actually wild and thinks she can get away with anything. She also has a mad imagination which means she tells very convincing fibs." The BBC
's profile for Michelle said she was "very mature, very clever, and very determined." She felt heavily burdened being the youngest member of the Scully family and hated it when Stephanie and Felicity fought, as she is "a sensitive soul." Michelle is the apple of her father's eye, which makes her the one who can hurt him most. The BBC added Michelle has "a definite desire to see the world - not that cold feet don't affect her sometimes - and a definite desire to change the world."
Shortly after her arrival, Michelle meets Paul McClain
(Jansen Spencer
) and develops a crush on him. Paul fancies Felicity and thinks Michelle is annoying. Michelle does not let that put her off and she tries blackmailing him into taking her out. She also develops a sudden interest in music, which is one of Paul's hobbies.
(Jansen Spencer
), who is interested in her older sister, Felicity. When it becomes apparent food is missing from the Scully house, Michelle's father Joe discovers Michelle is hoarding for the Y2K bug. Joe assures her that he will not let any harm come the family.
On Millennium Eve, Michelle babysits five-year-old, Louise Carpenter (Jiordan Anna Tolli
), but grows impatient that she is missing the celebrations out in the street and briefly leaves Louise unattended. Louise, unable to find Michelle, discovers some firecrackers and matches on the table and starts a fire in the Scully house. Drew Kirk
(Dan Paris
) notices the house is on fire and rescues Louise. Michelle regrets leaving Louise alone.
When Michelle begins Year 8 at Erinsborough High, she is bullied by Cecile Bliss (Molly McCaffrey) and her friends. Michelle talks about to Joe and he tells her to stand up for herself but this backfires when Michelle pushes Cecile one day, causing her to fall and break her arm, resulting in suspension for Michelle. Soon after this, Michelle begins a friendship with Bianca Nugent (Jane Harber).
After spotting a seemingly abandoned house, Michelle investigates and agrees to help the mystery occupant. When Michelle tries to find out who it is, she is immediately spooked when Damon Gaffney (Richard Morgan) confronts her. Upon learning that Damon became a recluse after his wife and daughter died, Michelle tries her best to help him but is accused of meddling. When Michelle is menaced by a scary dog, Damon comes to her aid and pushes his agoraphobia
to one side. Damon then receives counselling and moves on.
When Patsy Edis (Anne Maloney) begins babysitting for Lou, Michelle is immediately suspicious and warns him but he is dismissive. Michelle's suspicions are proved after Patsy is caught burgling Lou's and several other houses in the street.
Evan Hancock
(Nicholas Opolski
), the new teacher at Erinsborough High arrives in Ramsay Street and Michelle takes an interest in the environment and other green issues. This leads to an incident where Michelle and several others are arrested during an Animal Rights
protest march. Michelle later meets Zack Shaw (Owen Lee) and they begin dating. When Zack transfers to Erinsborough High, he is not keen to be seen around Michelle as he is several years older than she is. The couple later split up when Zack spreads rumours about Michelle being "easy" and she takes revenge by breaking into the school with new friend Elly Conway (Kendell Nunn) and writes "Zack is gay" on the blackboard, disgusting Elly, who believes Michelle is not much better for stooping to Zack's level.
When Connor O'Neill
(Patrick Harvey
), a friend of Michelle's brother Jack
(Jay Bunyan
) moves in with the Scullys there is an obvious attraction between the two and Michelle's parents are concerned as they had many problems the previous year with Felicity dating Joel Samuels
(Daniel MacPherson
). After Michelle is hospitalized following a mishap with floor cleaner while making mocktails, Connor is forced to admit he is illiterate and had been keeping it a secret for months. Michelle agrees to help him but Connor decides against it and gets help from Libby Kennedy
(Kym Valentine
) instead.
Michelle is concerned when Connor begins spending a lot of time hanging around with Nina Tucker
(Delta Goodrem
). Connor tells Michelle there is nothing going on but Nina clearly is attracted to Connor and is being blackmailed by Tahnee Coppin (Anna Jennings-Edquist
). Michelle and Nina later take revenge on Tahnee when she tries to claim credit for Nina's song "Born to Try".
Michelle receives news that she is accepted into the exchange programme but on the day she is supposed to leave for New York, the insurance falls through. Sometime later, Michelle and Connor's relationship is put to the test when Jim Baynes (David Cormick), one of Joe's workmates calls immigration on Connor. After trying to flee, Immigration agree to be lenient with Connor, citing his illiteracy. Joe, however throws Connor out of the house and he moves into Number 30. Michelle later gets a second chance with the exchange programme after Tahnee is expelled from it and leaves for New York after an emotional farewell with Connor. Joe visits Michelle soon after.
A year later Michelle returns to Erinsborough to find Connor in the arms of Carmella Cammenitti (Natalie Blair
). Connor later dumps Carmella, which results in her slapping Michelle. After an initially shaky reunion and the revelation of Connor's one night stand with Jack's ex-girlfriend Lori Lee
(Michelle Ang
), Michelle decides that she is going to leave New York and resume her life in Erinsborough with Connor. After the couple spend the night together at Lassiter's they get a shock in the hotel lobby when they see Lori and she is holding her and Connor's daughter Madeleine (Madison Lu). Connor explains and pledges his loyalty to Michelle, but when Lori reveals Connor practically offered to marry her the previous year if she did not go through with the abortion, Michelle dumps Connor, says goodbye to her family and returns to the States and is heard from sparingly throughout the years.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the Australian soap opera Neighbours
Neighbours
Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera first broadcast on the Seven Network on 18 March 1985. It was created by TV executive Reg Watson, who proposed the idea of making a show that focused on realistic stories and portrayed adults and teenagers who talk openly and solve their problems...
, played by Kate Keltie
Kate Keltie
Kate Keltie is an Australian actress.Born in Melbourne, Keltie played the role of Michelle Scully in the Australian television soap opera Neighbours between 1999 and 2003, as well as a brief return in 2004. She also appeared in Thunderstone and as Bec Cleary in Blue Heelers in 2004.-External links:...
. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 October 1999 when she and her family moved into Ramsay Street. The character departed in 2003 and before making a brief return in 2004.
Character creation and casting
In October 1999, the Scully family, consisting of parents, LynLyn Scully
Lynette "Lyn" Scully is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Janet Andrewartha. The character debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 21 October 1999, along with her family and remained a prominent feature within the show until late 2006...
(Janet Andrewartha
Janet Andrewartha
Janet Andrewartha is an Australian actress. She is famous for playing on-going roles in two popular Australian soap operas: that of Reb Kean in Prisoner and Lyn Scully in Neighbours.-Biography:...
) and Joe
Joe Scully
Joe Scully is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Shane Connor. He made his first on-screen appearance on 20 October 1999, along with his family.-Casting:...
(Shane Connor
Shane Connor
Shane Connor is an Australian actor, who has had extensive experience in both stage and film productions.-Background:Shane Connor graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in the early 1980s...
) and siblings Stephanie
Stephanie Scully
Stephanie Jo "Steph" Scully is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Carla Bonner. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 October 1999. Stephanie is the eldest daughter of Joe and Lyn Scully and the mother to a son, Charlie...
(Carla Bonner
Carla Bonner
Carla Bonner is an Australian actress best known for playing the role of Steph Scully in the soap opera Neighbours, a role she played from 1999 to 2010...
), Felicity
Felicity Scully
Felicity Jane "Flick" Scully is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Holly Valance. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 October 1999 and she departed on 28 November 2002....
(Holly Valance
Holly Valance
Holly Valance is an Australian actress, singer, and model, who has dual United Kingdom citizenship. Valance began her career as Felicity "Flick" Scully on the Australian soap opera Neighbours...
) and Michelle were introduced to Neighbours. They were the first new family to move into Ramsay Street since Ruth Wilkinson (Ailsa Piper
Ailsa Piper
Ailsa Piper is an Australian writer, director and performer. She worked as an actress in theatre and television from the early 1980s until 2000. She made her first appearance on TV in 1984 in Man of Letters. She is most famous for playing Ruth Wilkinson in the soap opera Neighbours from 1996 until...
) and her children arrived in 1996. The actors began filming their first scenes twelve weeks prior to their on screen debuts. Kate Keltie was thirteen when she was cast as youngest daughter, Michelle. Michelle was said to be twelve years old and "occasionally petulant but always lovable."
In November 2002, it was announced that Keltie was to leave Neighbours at the end of the year to go back to school. Keltie's decision to leave the show came close to the departure of her on-screen sister, Holly Valance
Holly Valance
Holly Valance is an Australian actress, singer, and model, who has dual United Kingdom citizenship. Valance began her career as Felicity "Flick" Scully on the Australian soap opera Neighbours...
(Felicity Scully
Felicity Scully
Felicity Jane "Flick" Scully is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Holly Valance. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 October 1999 and she departed on 28 November 2002....
). Keltie originally chose to leave in August, but later agreed to stay on till the end of year. Of her departure, she said "I'd like to move on and do other things because Neighbours has been such a big part of my life for the past three years. I definitely don't want to be typecast. A lot of people do stay because of the security of it, but I want to find other work." Michelle departed on 14 May 2003.
Development
Speaking to Alison James of SoaplifeSoaplife
Soaplife is a fortnightly UK magazine, released on Tuesday. Storylines of the shows it covers are from soap operas shown in the United Kingdom and from Australia....
, Keltie called Michelle a spoilt little princess, who can twist her parents round her finger. The actress said Michelle looks like butter would not melt, but this is far from the truth. Describing her character further, Keltie said "She's actually wild and thinks she can get away with anything. She also has a mad imagination which means she tells very convincing fibs." The BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
's profile for Michelle said she was "very mature, very clever, and very determined." She felt heavily burdened being the youngest member of the Scully family and hated it when Stephanie and Felicity fought, as she is "a sensitive soul." Michelle is the apple of her father's eye, which makes her the one who can hurt him most. The BBC added Michelle has "a definite desire to see the world - not that cold feet don't affect her sometimes - and a definite desire to change the world."
Shortly after her arrival, Michelle meets Paul McClain
Paul McClain
Paul McClain is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jansen Spencer. Paul made his first appearance on 4 November 1997. Paul departed on 11 December 2001...
(Jansen Spencer
Jansen Spencer
Jansen Spencer is an Australian actor best known for his part in the worldwide Australian Soap, Neighbours. Jansen Spencer played Paul McClain between the years of 1997 to 2001...
) and develops a crush on him. Paul fancies Felicity and thinks Michelle is annoying. Michelle does not let that put her off and she tries blackmailing him into taking her out. She also develops a sudden interest in music, which is one of Paul's hobbies.
Storylines
Michelle is first seen complaining that she feels unwell but this an excuse to get out of moving boxes and furniture when the family arrive in Ramsay Street. Soon after her arrival, she takes a shine to neighbour Paul McClainPaul McClain
Paul McClain is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jansen Spencer. Paul made his first appearance on 4 November 1997. Paul departed on 11 December 2001...
(Jansen Spencer
Jansen Spencer
Jansen Spencer is an Australian actor best known for his part in the worldwide Australian Soap, Neighbours. Jansen Spencer played Paul McClain between the years of 1997 to 2001...
), who is interested in her older sister, Felicity. When it becomes apparent food is missing from the Scully house, Michelle's father Joe discovers Michelle is hoarding for the Y2K bug. Joe assures her that he will not let any harm come the family.
On Millennium Eve, Michelle babysits five-year-old, Louise Carpenter (Jiordan Anna Tolli
Jiordan Anna Tolli
Jiordan Anna Tolli is an Australian actress, best known for playing the role of Louise Carpenter in the Australian soap opera Neighbours...
), but grows impatient that she is missing the celebrations out in the street and briefly leaves Louise unattended. Louise, unable to find Michelle, discovers some firecrackers and matches on the table and starts a fire in the Scully house. Drew Kirk
Drew Kirk
Andrew "Drew" Kirk is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Dan Paris. He made his first on-screen appearance on 27 March 1998. Drew departed on 13 September 2002...
(Dan Paris
Dan Paris
Dan Paris is an Australian actor. He is best known for playing the role of Drew Kirk in the Australian soap opera Neighbours.Paris was born in Perth, Australia and was raised in Esperance in Western Australia....
) notices the house is on fire and rescues Louise. Michelle regrets leaving Louise alone.
When Michelle begins Year 8 at Erinsborough High, she is bullied by Cecile Bliss (Molly McCaffrey) and her friends. Michelle talks about to Joe and he tells her to stand up for herself but this backfires when Michelle pushes Cecile one day, causing her to fall and break her arm, resulting in suspension for Michelle. Soon after this, Michelle begins a friendship with Bianca Nugent (Jane Harber).
After spotting a seemingly abandoned house, Michelle investigates and agrees to help the mystery occupant. When Michelle tries to find out who it is, she is immediately spooked when Damon Gaffney (Richard Morgan) confronts her. Upon learning that Damon became a recluse after his wife and daughter died, Michelle tries her best to help him but is accused of meddling. When Michelle is menaced by a scary dog, Damon comes to her aid and pushes his agoraphobia
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder defined as a morbid fear of having a panic attack or panic-like symptoms in a situation from which it is perceived to be difficult to escape. These situations can include, but are not limited to, wide-open spaces, crowds, or uncontrolled social conditions...
to one side. Damon then receives counselling and moves on.
When Patsy Edis (Anne Maloney) begins babysitting for Lou, Michelle is immediately suspicious and warns him but he is dismissive. Michelle's suspicions are proved after Patsy is caught burgling Lou's and several other houses in the street.
Evan Hancock
Evan Hancock
Evan Hancock is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Nicholas Opolski. Evan first appeared in the episode airing on 13 April 2001 originally as a guest and became a member of the regular cast, a week later...
(Nicholas Opolski
Nicholas Opolski
Nicholas Opolski is an Australian actor, who is best known for his role as Evan Hancock on the Australian soap opera Neighbours in 2001–2002. He has also provided the voice of B2, one of the characters in the children's television show Bananas in Pyjamas for the ABC. He also worked as a presenter...
), the new teacher at Erinsborough High arrives in Ramsay Street and Michelle takes an interest in the environment and other green issues. This leads to an incident where Michelle and several others are arrested during an Animal Rights
Animal rights
Animal rights, also known as animal liberation, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings...
protest march. Michelle later meets Zack Shaw (Owen Lee) and they begin dating. When Zack transfers to Erinsborough High, he is not keen to be seen around Michelle as he is several years older than she is. The couple later split up when Zack spreads rumours about Michelle being "easy" and she takes revenge by breaking into the school with new friend Elly Conway (Kendell Nunn) and writes "Zack is gay" on the blackboard, disgusting Elly, who believes Michelle is not much better for stooping to Zack's level.
When Connor O'Neill
Connor O'Neill
Connor O'Neill is a fictional character from the Australian Network Ten soap opera Neighbours, played by Patrick Harvey. He made his first on-screen appearance on 19 April 2002. He is best known for his friendships with Toadie Rebecchi and Stu Parker with whom he lived at No.30, now better known as...
(Patrick Harvey
Patrick Harvey
Patrick Harvey is an Irish/Australian actor. He played Northern Irish immigrant Connor O'Neill on the television soap opera Neighbours. His first appearance on the soap was in April 2002...
), a friend of Michelle's brother Jack
Jack Scully
Jack Scully is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Jay Bunyan. He made his first on-screen appearance on 17 April 2001. The character was initially played by Paul Pantano in a guest role. When he returned in 2002, Bunyan had taken over the role. Jack is the...
(Jay Bunyan
Jay Bunyan
Jay Ryan is a New Zealand actor who resides in Australia.-Career:Under his birthname of Jay Bunyan, he appeared as "Glen" in the "Scallywag Pirates" and had a minor role in Xena. He is known for his portrayal of Jack Scully in the Australian soap opera Neighbours from late 2002 until January 2005...
) moves in with the Scullys there is an obvious attraction between the two and Michelle's parents are concerned as they had many problems the previous year with Felicity dating Joel Samuels
Joel Samuels
Joel Matthew Samuels is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Daniel MacPherson. Joel made his first on-screen appearance on 13 May 1998...
(Daniel MacPherson
Daniel MacPherson
Daniel Donald MacPherson is an Australian actor and television presenter, best known for his roles as; Joel Samuels on Neighbours, PC Cameron Tait on British police drama The Bill, and Detective Senior Constable Simon Joyner in City Homicide...
). After Michelle is hospitalized following a mishap with floor cleaner while making mocktails, Connor is forced to admit he is illiterate and had been keeping it a secret for months. Michelle agrees to help him but Connor decides against it and gets help from Libby Kennedy
Libby Kennedy
Elizabeth Grace "Libby" Kennedy is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Kym Valentine. She made her first on-screen appearance on 3 October 1994 and departed in 2004, before returning on 12 November 2007. Libby is the only daughter of Karl and Susan Kennedy...
(Kym Valentine
Kym Valentine
Kym Valentine is a Maltese Australian actress best known for her portrayal of Libby Kennedy in the soap opera Neighbours.-Early and personal life:...
) instead.
Michelle is concerned when Connor begins spending a lot of time hanging around with Nina Tucker
Nina Tucker
Nina Tucker is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Delta Goodrem. She made her first on-screen appearance on 11 June 2002. Goodrem was approached by producers after they saw her video for her debut single. Goodrem, who had just signed a record deal, almost...
(Delta Goodrem
Delta Goodrem
Delta Lea Goodrem is an Australian singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress. Signed to Sony at the age of 15, Goodrem rose to prominence in 2002, starring in the Australian soap opera Neighbours as Nina Tucker. Goodrem has achieved eight number-one singles and three number-one albums in her home...
). Connor tells Michelle there is nothing going on but Nina clearly is attracted to Connor and is being blackmailed by Tahnee Coppin (Anna Jennings-Edquist
Anna Jennings-Edquist
Anna Jennings-Edquist is an Australian actress, playwright and director in both theatre and television. Jennings-Edquist has written and directed several Australian university and festival productions and is known for her acting roles on the popular soap opera Neighbours.-Career:Jennings-Edquist...
). Michelle and Nina later take revenge on Tahnee when she tries to claim credit for Nina's song "Born to Try".
Michelle receives news that she is accepted into the exchange programme but on the day she is supposed to leave for New York, the insurance falls through. Sometime later, Michelle and Connor's relationship is put to the test when Jim Baynes (David Cormick), one of Joe's workmates calls immigration on Connor. After trying to flee, Immigration agree to be lenient with Connor, citing his illiteracy. Joe, however throws Connor out of the house and he moves into Number 30. Michelle later gets a second chance with the exchange programme after Tahnee is expelled from it and leaves for New York after an emotional farewell with Connor. Joe visits Michelle soon after.
A year later Michelle returns to Erinsborough to find Connor in the arms of Carmella Cammenitti (Natalie Blair
Natalie Blair
Natalie Louise Blair is an Australian actress, best known for her role as Carmella Cammeniti on Neighbours, an Australian TV series.-Career:...
). Connor later dumps Carmella, which results in her slapping Michelle. After an initially shaky reunion and the revelation of Connor's one night stand with Jack's ex-girlfriend Lori Lee
Lori Lee
Lori Lee is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Michelle Ang. She made her first on-screen appearance on 20 November 2002. Ang departed in 2003, but she returned the following year to reprise her role as Lori...
(Michelle Ang
Michelle Ang
Michelle Ang is a New Zealand film and television actress.-Life and career:Ang was born in Christchurch of maylandn descent. She got her start in television at a young age through the hit family series McDonald's Young Entertainers. Here she got to show her skills at singing and dancing, much like...
), Michelle decides that she is going to leave New York and resume her life in Erinsborough with Connor. After the couple spend the night together at Lassiter's they get a shock in the hotel lobby when they see Lori and she is holding her and Connor's daughter Madeleine (Madison Lu). Connor explains and pledges his loyalty to Michelle, but when Lori reveals Connor practically offered to marry her the previous year if she did not go through with the abortion, Michelle dumps Connor, says goodbye to her family and returns to the States and is heard from sparingly throughout the years.
Other appearances
In 2005, four novellas based on characters from Neighbours were released. The books were available to buy at some Australia Post outlets and on the internet. Michelle and her sister, Felicity were the focus of one of the books entitled Sisters in the City. It explains what happened after they both left Erinsborough and went to New York together. Of the books, a spokeswoman said "It's different to what happens in the show; it's more like a fantasy of what happens, might have happened, in the show, they would take about an hour to read if you're a quick reader".Reception
The BBC said Michelle's most notable moment was "Keeping her relationship with Connor a secret." Jim Schembri of The Age paid tribute to Michelle and praised her departure, saying "Our beloved Michelle Scully (Kate Keltie) is off to New York to continue her education. There's been a party, a final I-still-love-you scene with former flame Connor (Patrick Harvey) and the inevitable don't-cry-mum moment. It's beautiful, touching and all done with the type of small-screen melodramatic pathos that the makers of Neighbours now do so well and so effortlessly that one wonders if they've developed some special software to write it (and I say that with love, guys, so please don't sue)."External links
- Character profile at the BBCBBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...